Docu-Series on NYC's Drag Community to Air on Fusion TV

Fusion TV announced that the wigs will come off in a new and compelling docu-series, "Shade: Queens of NYC," premiering Thursday, October 5 @ 10:30 PM.

The 12-part, half hour series will move past the glam, glitz, and lip syncing and provide an intimate look inside the New York drag community. Shot in a vérité follow documentary format, "Shade" reveals a side of drag life never before seen on television, examining the unspoken stigmas, taboos and personal sacrifices that drag performers often face on their journey to stardom. Each episode will showcase the day-to-day lives of each performer, on and off the stage. Also, each week viewers will be treated to a spectacular musical number performed by the drag queens. While peeling back the drag personas and highlighting love, commitment, community, heartbreak, family and faith, "Shade" will explore what happens to New York's fiercest drag queens as they vie for adoration, validation and compensation. Brita Filter, Chelsea Piers, Holly Box-Springs, Jada Valenciaga, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, Marti Gould Cummings, "Showbiz Spitfire" Paige Turner, and Tina Burner are among the talent featured.

"Over the past several years, drag queens have taken center stage in culture and on TV but we've mostly only seen one facet of their lives." said Daniel Eilemberg, President of Fusion TV. "As Fusion TV has always been a home for passionate and diverse people to share their stories, it was important that we more wholly highlight drag queens, looking beyond the incredible artistry to showcase the people behind the performances and capture the dynamic spirit of this community."

From going deep on cultural obsessions to telling impactful stories that matter, Fusion TV is a channel that serves up a unique blend of enriching programming that reflects the shared passions and values of America's diverse youth.

The series will be produced in conjunction with Cowboy Bear Ninja and is co-created by Mike Kelton. Kelton along with Cowboy Bear Ninja's Michael Melamedoff and Rufus Lusk will serve as executive producers; Liz DeCesare of Authentic Management will also serve as an executive producer. Lisa Tucker will serve as showrunner. Marti Gould Cummings is also a consulting producer on the project.